WA’s new resources safety director nominated for an award

One week into the role of executive director for WA Resources Safety, Simon Ridge has been nominated for the Next Generation Mining Australia Summit’s Occupational Health and Safety Leader of 2012 Award.

“This nomination recognises Simon’s outstanding contribution to safety and reform in the Western Australian resources industry,” said Norman Moore, Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Fisheries; Electoral Affairs.

“Simon, who is also the State Mining Engineer, has 16 years’ experience in WA mines safety and has been a central figure in the state government’s reforms to resources safety for the WA mining industry.

“Simon was nominated by the event’s standing committee, an independent advisory board consisting of 20 mining leaders. He is one of 19 contenders for the award.”

The Minister said the reforms were part of the state government’s response to independent reviews and inquiries, such as the 2009 Kenner Review of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, and a spate of mining fatalities. The awards ceremony will be held at the fourth annual NG Mining Australia Summit in Adelaide on 17 October.